Sky F1 Presenter Rachel Brookes Disables Comments on Social Media Due to ‘Vile Abuse’
A prominent figure in the Formula 1 paddock has taken a step back from social media due to the overwhelming amount of abuse she received online. Rachel Brookes, a Sky F1 presenter, announced that she has disabled comments on her Instagram and X (formerly Twitter) accounts after being subjected to "enormous amounts of vile abuse" in recent weeks.
According to Planet F1, Brookes’ decision comes after a series of high-profile interviews with top drivers, including Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton. The Sky F1 presenter was involved in a tense exchange with Verstappen in the aftermath of the Spanish Grand Prix, where the Red Bull driver was given a 10-second penalty and three penalty points for a collision with George Russell’s Mercedes.
During the interview, Brookes suggested that Verstappen’s conduct in the wheel-to-wheel battle could "take some shine" off his other abilities. Verstappen responded by saying, "Well, that’s your opinion." This exchange was just one of several high-profile interviews that Brookes has been involved in recently.
The Planet F1 report also mentioned that Brookes’ interview with Hamilton at the Monaco Grand Prix was noticeably unforthcoming. However, it later emerged that Hamilton had apologised to Brookes off-camera, admitting that he was "just so down" after the race.
In an announcement on social media, Brookes revealed that she has turned off comments on both Instagram and X due to the barrage of abuse she received online. She stated, "I will be posting on here as usual but comments/tags/mentions on here and on X have been disabled for the foreseeable future due to the enormous amounts of vile abuse I was sent after the Spanish GP." Brookes also mentioned that she may switch comments back on at a later date but for now, they will stay off.
This incident is not an isolated case, as fellow F1 reporter Lee McKenzie recently spoke out about the "horrific" and "vile" comments she received online after returning to air following a recent operation. McKenzie wrote on social media, "The comments about my appearance and weight at the Spanish Grand Prix have been horrific. I’ve had to turn off comments on my social media. It’s worth saying they came from women and men alike."
McKenzie’s comments were met with support from the F1 community, including Damon Hill, the 1996 World Champion, who urged those responsible for the abuse to "get some help." Hill, who now works for BBC Radio 5 Live, wrote, "To those who posted abusive messages, go and get some help. You are mentally unwell."
The issue of online abuse in F1 has become a growing concern, with several high-profile figures speaking out about the problem in recent weeks. As reported by Planet F1, the sport’s governing body, the FIA, has also taken steps to address the issue, including implementing stricter rules on social media use.
In conclusion, Rachel Brookes’ decision to disable comments on her social media accounts highlights the growing problem of online abuse in the world of Formula 1. As the sport continues to grow in popularity, it is essential that steps are taken to address this issue and ensure that all individuals involved in the sport can work in a safe and respectful environment.
The move by Brookes has been seen as a necessary step to protect her mental health, and it is understood that she will continue to post updates on her social media accounts, albeit without the ability for comments to be left. This move has been supported by her colleagues and the wider F1 community, who are all keen to see an end to the scourge of online abuse that has become all too prevalent in the sport.
Brookes’ actions and those of McKenzie bring attention to the issue of online harassment and cyberbullying that many individuals in the public eye face. The Planet F1 report on this story highlights the challenges that many journalists and media personalities face in their daily work.
As previously reported by Planet F1, Brookes is not alone in her experience, and it is hoped that her decision to speak out will help raise awareness about the issue of online abuse and encourage others to do the same.
